Madman Muntz (1914–1987) sold and promoted cars and
consumer electronics in the United States from the 1930s until his death in 1987. He was a pioneer in television commercials with his oddball "Madman"
persona—an
alter ego who generated publicity with his unusual costumes, his stunts, and his outrageous claims. Muntz also pioneered car stereos by creating the Muntz
Stereo-Pak, better known as the 4-track cartridge, a predecessor to the
8-track cartridge developed by
Lear Industries. He invented the practice that came to be known as
Muntzing (which involved simplifying otherwise complicated electronic devices), produced and marketed the first black-and-white television receivers to sell for less than $100, and created one of the earliest functional
widescreen projection TVs. He also coined the abbreviation "TV" for television. A high school, Muntz made fortunes by selling automobiles, TV receivers, and car stereos and tapes. A 1968
Los Angeles Times article noted that in one year he sold $72 million worth of cars, that five years later he sold $55 million worth of TV receivers, and that in 1967 he sold $30 million worth of car stereos and tapes. After his success as a used car salesman and with
Kaiser-Frazer dealerships in
Los Angeles and
New York City, Muntz founded the
Muntz Car Company, which made the "Muntz Jet", a
sports car with jet-like contours. The car was manufactured between 1951 and 1953, although fewer than 400 were produced. Muntz married seven times. His wives included actress Joan Barton (who appeared in
Angel and the Badman with
John Wayne) and Patricia Stevens of the Patricia Stevens Finishing Schools.
Phyllis Diller was among his many girlfriends. (
more...)
